World Bank report—Shock Waves: Managing the Impacts of Climate Change on Poverty

The report, Shock Waves: Managing the Impacts of Climate Change on Poverty, reveals that climate-related changes increase the risks and struggles of those who live in poverty. Some consequences of climate change include crop failures caused by reduced rainfall, spikes in food prices following extreme weather conditions, and increased rates and potential of diseases after heat waves and floods. It states that such shocks could eradicate the gains of a lot of hard work, inflicting irrevocable losses on people and driving them back into poverty, particularly in Africa and South Asia.

The report reveals that people living in poverty are more exposed to climate-related chocks and changes, such as floods, droughts, and heat waves, than the average population. They are also reported to suffer a lot more material and financial losses when they are hit by these changes. In the 52 countries where data was gathered and analyzed, 85 percent of the poorer population are more at risk to drought than the average citizen in wealthier countries. Poor people are also more exposed to higher temperatures and inhabit countries where climate change is expected to cause food shortages.

The report, released a month before the Climate Change Conference in Paris, emphasizes that international unity is crucial in achieving the goals of ending poverty and fighting climate change in an effective, more constructive manner.